A/N: Welcome to another installment of My Turn!
Last chapter…some heavy stuff, huh? Now we see what happens after.
This is the first chapter in the "Aftermath" arc.
Got over 400 follows and reviews! HELL YEAH! As well as over 300 favs….
No, I've done that reference to death now. I can't allow myself to-.
THIS. IS. SPARTA!
Crap.
Also, if you noticed, I got a new cover image for the story. This was made by DownSmashJon, who kindly offered to make it for me. Photoshop is a wonderful thing, don't you think? Feel free to check out his stories if you haven't.
Now then…it's time to see how my talk with the Ozluminati will go.
ON WITH THE CHAPTER!
Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY.
I stared up at the white ceiling of the Beacon Infirmary above me, unmoving and in thought.
It had been nearly two days since the others and I had left after the massacre of the village.
My home….
After Vert had killed all the Grimm with what was (in my mind, anyway) considered a mini-nuke crammed into an arrow, the Bullhead had rushed us as fast as it could towards Beacon. Amber and Vert did what they could to slow the bleeding from my wounds. When we arrived, I was rushed to the Beacon infirmary…which looked more like that of a hospital, but I guess that's to be expected since this is a school for future Huntsman and Huntresses.
The entire time…Violet had been a sobbing wreck.
I don't blame her for crying. She's worried about me, sure, but…she just lost her home and everyone she knew and cared about in the village.
And as her father, I'm supposed to comfort her during this time of distress….
Unfortunately, I myself am going through this distress…actually, that distress pretty much escalated to depression at this point. I'm sure this is understandable, of course.
My home…all my friends in the village.
Gone.
Just like that.
All because I chose to interfere in Salem's plan.
…
…
"Daddy?"
Oh….looks like my daughter's here.
Violet stepped through the door, leaving it slightly ajar. She stood there in silence, fidgeting with the edge of her purple dress.
The reason she hadn't been by my side up till now was because I was being treated for my wounds…for about an hour, that is. After that, I had kinda shut down and entered a depressed state while I rested up. I hadn't felt like talking to anyone for a while.
So I had asked Amber to look after Violet while I was left alone to my thoughts. Vert had gone off on his own somewhere, and even Qrow knew not to talk to me in the depressed state I was in.
And now that I think about it….
"Violet?" I ask. "Where's Amber?"
"S-She's outside. I-I…wanted to see if you would talk to me now."
…
…
I sigh.
In hindsight, maybe I should've just let her stay near me rather than push her away. At the very least, I could've asked for her earlier.
"Yeah…sorry about that."
I gesture to the chair beside me. She shuffles forward and sits on it.
I rack my brain to try and come up with something to say, but I'm drawing a blank….
So Violet's the one who talks first.
"A-Are you gonna be alright?"
…I'm assuming she means my physical injuries rather than my mental state.
"Yeah," I answer. "Just resting for a bit longer before I leave is all. My wounds are all healed, though the deeper wounds left some scars rather than heal completely."
Not that I minded. I already had scars from my first encounter with Fenrir, a few more wouldn't hurt.
Besides, chicks apparently dig the scars.
Violet nodded slowly. "Okay…."
We were silent once again.
Damn, this silence was terrible. Not the awkward kind, but the tense kind.
Clearly, she wanted to talk about what happened, but…how was I supposed to explain to her that everyone died because of me?
The sound of sobbing brought me out of my thoughts. I turned to find Violet breaking out in tears. The sight nearly brought tears to my eyes as well.
But I stayed firm, sat up, and held my arms out to her. She hopped off the chair and jumped into my arms, crying into my shoulder.
I wince a bit due to my injuries, but I persevere and sit her on my lap, patting her back in comfort.
"There, there…i-it'll be fine, sweetie."
"E-Everyone's gone."
That one statement made me tense for a moment…before I held my daughter tighter and started crying myself.
She was right. Everyone me, her and Vert knew…dead and gone.
"I-It'll be alright, Violet. W-We'll be okay."
"…Will you be okay, Daddy?"
What?
She looked up at me with her teary eyes. "Y-You haven't said anything to anyone in almost two days, Daddy. No one does that unless they're really, really, really sad."
Really, really, really sad…the long version for depressed.
I sigh. "Violet…I'll be fine…eventually."
She looked up at me. "But you don't have to go through this alone. Me and Vert are still here!"
I plant a kiss on her head. "I know, dear. I know."
She doesn't know that I'm the cause of their deaths. Otherwise, she'd understand better my depression and guilt…and maybe hold it against me, not that I'd blame her.
But I don't know if I'll be able to tell her.
"Hey."
We both turn to find Amber in the doorway, looking a bit uncomfortable.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt-."
I wave her off. "It's fine."
I pat Violet between her bunny ears. "We'll talk about it later, okay?"
She put on the best stern look she could muster. "You better, mister."
Amber gave a weak chuckle. "Being told off by your own daughter. Can't say I'm not surprised."
"When you raise a child like her, you learn she can be quite the little devil."
"Hey!"
I ignore the cute glare she sends my way.
I regard Amber. "So, what's up?"
Once again, the discomfort from before returns, only now there's a hint of…guilt?
"Um…they want to talk to you now, if possible."
"They?" I ask.
"I think you referred to them as the 'Ozluminati'?"
Oh…right. That.
While I wish they could've waited at least another day, it's probably better I get this out of the way, now.
Besides, other than a few scars, my wounds are pretty much healed.
The wonders of Aura, ladies and gentlemen.
I gesture to Violet. "Watch her for me?"
"Of course," she nods.
I set Violet down and stand from the hospital bed.
I wince and hold my midsection. "Damn."
Violet looked worried. "Daddy?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine."
I take a deep breath and move past the two of them. "Be right back."
Time to meet with the Ozluminati.
I lean my back against the elevator wall as I stare ahead at the door.
Why did this tower have to be so tall?
I know I only pushed one button (unlike a certain red reaper), but this is taking too long!
Makes me wonder how Pyrrha felt being surrounded by the Ozluminati when taking the elevator down towards the secret chamber below….
Huh, now that I think about it, was the secret chamber always there? Even before what happened to Amber? Not sure, really.
Questions for later…that I probably won't bother to ask since it's pretty much irrelevant now.
I finally hear the ding that indicates that I've arrived at the floor of my destination. I stare straight ahead as the elevator doors open on Ozpin's office….
And there are the Ozluminati, in all their secretive glory…sort of.
Ozpin was sitting in the chair he's obviously supposed to occupy, with his trademark mug in his right hand.
Glynda is standing to his right, arms crossed with her riding crop in her hand.
Qrow is leaning back against the glass window on the left of the office, drinking from his trademark flask.
As for Ironwood…well, I suppose I shouldn't have expected him to actually be here. He's the Headmaster of a Huntsman Academy, as well as the General of the Atlas Military. Not to mention that he probably wouldn't have been able to keep it quiet about him showing up to Vale, and letting the people know would've raised some flags, even if all he was doing was "visiting an old friend".
In spite of all that, he at least appeared on a holographic screen that floated on Ozpin's desk to his left.
What surprised me most was the fifth person that was here, leaning back on the pillar near the elevator.
Vert….
My surprise went away to understanding, however. He probably wants to know what's been going on as well.
I nod to Vert, and he nods back.
"Ah," Ozpin began. "Mr. Remington. Thank you for coming to speak with us despite your injuries."
I take a deep breath…and let it out.
Here we go.
I shrug and start walking forward. "Eh, my injuries are fine now. I'll probably be stiff for a while, but I'll manage."
Ozpin nods. "That's good to hear."
He gestures to the chair across the table from him. "Please, take a seat."
I do as he says and sit down.
Huh…this is the very same position Pyrrha found herself in (minus Ironwood, Vert and Glynda of course) when she was brought into the fold and approached about becoming the next Fall Maiden.
And now I was here to subject myself to the Ozluminati's interrogation.
"Before I proceed," Ozpin said. "I must ask, will you be able to speak after…recent events?"
I felt a pang of pain at the thought of those "recent events", but I buried it down.
I'd mourn later. I needed to get this out of the way, now.
"I-I'll be fine," I assured. "Just…try not to bring it up so much."
Ozpin nodded. "I will try."
He took a sip of his mug. "Now, first I need to clarify a few things."
I nod. "Shoot."
"…You knew of the attack that was to take place against Amber, correct?"
"I did."
"And you chose to intervene at that time and save her."
"I knew it was gonna happen. I couldn't live with myself if I just let it happen rather than try to help Amber out in some way."
"…And you knew she was the Fall Maiden?"
"…Yes. I knew that as well."
Ozpin leaned forward with narrowed eyes. "And you know of her?"
And here we go….
"Yes, I know of the Queen."
I look around at everyone else. "To those who don't know, the Queen's name is Salem…spoiler alert."
Only Glynda's, Ironwood's, and Vert's eyes perked up in curiosity at the name. Guess Qrow was the only person Ozpin chose to tell.
I turn back to the man. "Sorry if you didn't want that name getting out, but…that's life."
Ozpin sighed. "Well, I would've told them eventually."
"Like what? When she's dead?"
Ozpin coughed into his hand, ignoring the accusing looks from Glynda and Ironwood.
I stifled a chuckle at the scene.
Ozpin cleared his throat. "Yes, well, now that that's out of the way, I believe we should move on to the reason we're here."
He folded his hands. "I'll just get right to the point…how exactly do you know of all this? Salem, the Maiden, the attack-?"
"And Summer." Qrow added.
"Yes, her and the silver-eyes warriors."
…Oh boy.
Yeah, I'm not even gonna bother with utilizing the ancient art of bullshitting….
Then again-.
"Well, there's a legend about a man with a vague past who aids the Maidens when those who seek their power make to strike-."
"Mr. Remington," Ozpin interrupted. "I can assure you that there is no such legend…also, Qrow has already informed me of that little story of yours."
Once again, that was a weak attempt at best.
"The truth, if you please."
Okay…so how do I answer without getting myself committed to a mental hospital?
…
…
Screw it. Trying to bullshit my way out of this won't work.
I'll just have to take the risk.
I lean back on my chair. "Well…does anyone here believe in reincarnation, or basically being given another chance at a new life?"
Ironwood finally spoke. "What does that have to do with-?"
"I'll explain in a moment. Just answer the question."
Qrow grunted. "We're supposed to be asking the questions here, kid."
"Could you just answer the damn question so that I can get on with my explanation?"
Everyone remained silent….
"Well," Ozpin finally said. "There have been many theories regarding the afterlife. How we are judged by what we do in our lives and sent to a paradise…or a nightmare."
Heaven and Hell, basically.
"Then there's what you've just stated: reincarnation. Where we are apparently reborn as a new person, unable to remember who we were in our past life.
Yeah, that might be called into question considering what happened to me.
By the way, I still consider it bullshit that the Buddha was in Purgatory. Just saying.
"Why bring this up, if I may ask?"
…Again, oh boy.
I'm about to tell them that I died on my old planet and was reincarnated on this one as per the wheel of incarnation….
This could only end well.
"Well…."
I sigh. "You know what? I'm not gonna even hesitate. I'm just gonna come out and say it."
I stared Ozpin straight in the eye. "I died on my old planet and was brought here to continue living with a new life."
…
…
"Okay, kid," Qrow grunted. "Ready to try that again?"
Yeah, that's pretty much what I expected.
"It's the truth," I simply stated.
"Tch, right," Qrow scoffed. "And I think that Ice Queen's a decent person."
Ironwood glared at Qrow. "I'd appreciate it if you left Specialist Schnee out of this."
"So would I, actually."
Everyone turned to me with raised eyebrows when I muttered that through grit teeth.
I noticed everyone's looks. "…What?"
Vert muttered. "Maybe I should've bet on the Schnee, after all."
"VERT!"
Said old man whistled innocently.
Ignoring him, I turned back to the Ozluminati.
"Right, well…back to what I was saying-."
"You mean the crazy talk?"
"Don't you know it's rude to interrupt people?"
Qrow gave a "tch". "Well, you're talking crazy right now, so forgive me if I-."
"Shut the fuck up?" I interrupt. "Sure, you can go ahead and stay quiet."
That got Qrow's nostrils flaring and he took a step towards me, only for Ozpin to raise his hand.
Qrow grunted and went back to leaning against the window.
Ozpin turned back to me. "Continue."
I nod. "Thank you."
I lean back with crossed arms. "Now, I'd prefer to say all I need to say before you all call me crazy, if you don't mind?"
Ozpin simply gestured with his hand for me to continue. I noticed that Glynda, Ironwood, and Qrow were listening intently with narrowed eyes.
I turned to glance at Vert, who simply regarded me with a confused look. I give him a sheepish shrug before turning back to the Ozluminati.
"Now…I was born 25 years ago on a planet called Earth. I lived a good life which turned solitary in my teenage years onwards. Three years ago, at the age of 22…I suffered a heart attack."
I still wonder if my mom felt vindicated about all the reminders of watching what I eat…then immediately remember she was more than likely devastated by my death, as was the rest of my family no doubt.
Wonder if they're doing alright now….
Not really the time for that, Colt.
I shake my head. "I 'woke up' to find myself in a dandy little place called Purgatory, where I met a…religious deity highly regarded on my planet, and he had me spin something called the Wheel of Reincarnation. The choice I landed on was to be a farmer…here…on Remnant.
"So, I officially woke up on Remnant three years ago in a new body. A few moments later, I was saved from the Grimm by Qrow and Amber."
The other adults immediately turned to Qrow, who raised his hands defensively.
"Hey, I don't even remember doing that!"
I deadpan. "Do you ever remember anything with all the alcohol you drink?"
Qrow glared at me.
I could've sworn a smirk crossed the faces of Glynda and Ironwood, while Ozpin's mouth twitched.
I need to watch out for Ozpin in case he's a troll like the RWBY fanfic community makes him out to be.
"In any case," I continue. "Amber remembers, so you can confirm it with her. They saved me and escorted me to a nearby village, where I lived up until…recent events."
No, no. Hold it in. Break down later.
"And the rest is history."
…
…
"That's an interesting tale you've come up with."
That's about the kind of response I expected from Ozpin.
"But, to indulge in your explanation…how does it explain what you know?"
"I was getting to that."
I held my hands together. "You see…there's this little internet show that I happened to be a fan of made by a little company called Rooster Teeth."
Qrow exploded in a fit of laughter.
I turn to him. "What's so funny?"
He laughed. "Haha, oh my god! Kid, that's the dumbest name for a company I've ever heard. Couldn't you be a little more creative than that?"
I growl. "One: I'm not making it up. Two: Don't knock Rooster Teeth. They provide quality content to millions!"
I turn back to Ozpin. "Now, this internet show I'm talking about…is called RWBY."
Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "Ruby?"
…Well, Ruby was right. It does cause a lot of confusion.
"No, RWBY. With a 'w' instead of the 'u'."
Qrow laughed again. "HA! What kind of stupid name is that?"
"Ozpin apparently won't think it's stupid when the time comes."
…
…
Everyone turned to Ozpin.
He shrugged. "I haven't the faintest idea of what he's talking about."
"Not yet, you won't."
Now everyone turned to me.
I continue. "You see…RWBY is this fun little show where four teenage girls get to go to school to learn to fight monsters."
Here we go.
"Monsters…known as the creatures of Grimm."
They stared intently at me.
"And this school…is a school for aspiring Huntsmen and Huntresses."
Their stares get deeper.
"And it's called…Beacon Academy."
Their stares bore into me.
"And these four girls will become a rather popular team at Beacon."
I raise a finger. "Ruby Rose."
Qrow glared and made to move.
I turn my finger to him. "Let me finish."
Qrow took another step forwar-.
"Ahem."
Everyone turned to see Vert glaring at Qrow.
"Let my student finish."
Qrow scowled. "Verty-."
"If you take one more step towards my student, I will consider you hostile and act accordingly."
That got Qrow to shut up and step back, fuming in place.
Glad to know that Vert has my back, even though I'm pretty sure he might think I'm crazy.
I'd be worried if he didn't think I was crazy, honestly.
But, at least he's letting me finish.
Nodding my thanks to Vert, I turn my finger back to the others and raise another.
"Weiss Schnee."
That got a glare from Ironwood, probably because Winter is a Specialist…and because the Atlas Military and the Schnee Dust Company are working together on their little military projects.
I raise another finger.
"Blake Belladonna."
No reaction, not that I expected one.
I raise a final finger.
"And Yang Xiao Long."
Qrow tensed, but didn't move due to Vert's glaring.
"These four girls had potential to be the best team in Beacon, and they were given a team name based on their first names."
I retract my fingers, then raise the first one again.
"Ruby…R."
The Ozluminati narrowed their eyes. They must've figured out where I was going with this.
Qrow tried to say something. "You can't be serio-!"
I raise the second, ignoring Qrow.
"Weiss…W."
Qrow growled. "Kid, if you don't stop with the bullshit, I'll-."
Again, I ignore Qrow, raising my third finger.
"Blake…B"
"Kid-."
I raise the fourth.
"Yang…Y."
Qrow snarled. "I'm warning you-!"
I bring my hands together, ignoring him again.
Time to finish this.
"These four girls make up the team known as…RWBY."
SLAM!
I suddenly find my head slammed to the table.
"Ack!"
A hand keeps me there.
Qrow's hand.
"Alright, kid! That's enough of your bullshit!"
A strained chuckle escapes me. "O-Oh? Don't believe me? W-What a shocker. Totally didn't see that coming!"
Qrow snarled. "Now, how about you-?"
FWOOP!
Qrow was instantly silent when an arrow flew by right in front of his eyes, impaling the window behind the Ozluminati.
Everyone, me included, turned out gazes to the retired Huntsman, who had his bow drawn back, another arrow ready to be launched.
"I believe I gave you a fair warning, Branwen," Vert stated lowly. "Next one goes for your head."
Qrow stared in disbelief. "Verty, you can't be serious! This kid's a nutjob!"
"This 'nutjob' is my student."
The arrow is drawn back harder. "Just try me, Qrow."
Ozpin quickly raised a hand. "Now, now. There's no need for violence when all we want are answers."
Qrow scoffed. "Yeah, and look at the 'answers' we got. This kid is basically saying we're all from a TV show!"
"Internet show," I correct, still behind held on the table. "Also, I didn't exactly mean it like that."
"Shut up!"
"Qrow."
Said Huntsman turned to Ozpin.
"Why don't we just…go along with this for now? I'm curious as to where this young man goes with this."
Qrow stared in disbelief. "Y-You don't actually believe him, do you?"
"I never said that." He shrugged. "I'd just like to see how far this young man will go."
I suppose it would've been weird if Ozpin just believed me outright, not without proof at least.
Qrow stared at Ozpin for a moment…then sighed and released his grip on me.
I lift myself off the table and rub my head.
"Jeez, you didn't have to be so rough."
I sit back on the chair with a groan.
Ozpin nodded to me. "Now…please continue."
I stop rubbing my head. "…Well, I was, and still am I guess, an avid fan of the show RWBY. And it was that show that let me know of the things I know."
Ozpin tilted his head. "The Four Maidens?"
"Revealed when you wanted to have Pyrrha Nikos become the new Fall Maiden."
Everyone gave me confused looks.
I sigh. "Long story short. The attack succeeded in only stealing half of Amber's powers, leaving her in a coma. If she died, the rest would seek out the other half. Ergo, the assailant. You all wanted to prevent that from happening and decided to transfer the rest of the powers to Pyrrha so that Cinder Fall, one of the assailants, wouldn't get them and-."
I shake my head. "Look, that's a moot point now since I pretty much screwed up Cinder and Salem's plan."
Ozpin hummed. "…And the attack on Amber?"
"Revealed in a mostly flashback episode."
He nodded…then narrowed his eyes.
"And Salem?"
I cross my arms and close my eyes.
"…You know, they had us going there for three years."
I open my eyes to see them with raised eyebrows.
"All this time, we thought Cinder herself was the Queen, masterminding the downfall of the kingdoms."
"But then," I continue with a raised finger. "They go and introduce Salem as the true mastermind, right at the end of the third volume, no less! Making us wat nearly half a year to find out more about what's really going on."
I shake my head. "Clever, really."
Ozpin remained silent as he mulled over what I've told him.
Ironwood sighs. "Ozpin, don't you think we've indulged this demented man-."
Ugh.
"-enough as it is? I don't know about you, but I'd like some real answers."
Ozpin remained silent as he closed his eyes.
…
…
"Tell me," he finally said, opening his eyes. "How far in this 'internet show' have you gone?"
Qrow facepalmed. "Oh for the love of-."
"Three volumes," I answer. "I died before I got to see Volume 4 (something I'll weep about later). For all I know, they're probably on Volume 6 or 7 by now, if they made it that long, that is."
Ozpin nodded. "And continuing on the belief that what you say is true…how far into the future do you know?"
"Up to during the Vytal Festival. That's where things go to shit for the Kingdom."
This actually had both Ozpin and Ironwood intrigued. Guess mentioning the Festival and Vale has them listening…for now, anyway.
"Oh?" Ozpin asked. "And pray tell what happens?"
…
…
I sigh. "Gonna be honest, all the fans were heartbroken at the dark turn the show took. Myself included."
I continue. "These dark events started with Cinder and company ruining Yang's reputation."
Mentioning the girl got Qrow's attention.
"The plan had been to trick Yang into attacking a defenseless Mercury Black during the finals of the Vytal Tournament on live television. They trick her via the Semblance of another accomplice, Emerald Sustrai."
I point my thumb to Vert. "Her Semblance is manipulating the perceptions of others, making them see what she wants her to see. Vert can confirm it for himself."
The Ozluminati turned to the retired Huntsman, who grunted.
"Yeah, it's true. I thought I had those two cornered, but it was just an illusion."
He muttered to himself. "Damn kids."
I smirk at his mutter, before continuing.
"Now, Emerald tricks Yang into thinking that Mercury's attacking her, so she throws a punch at him in self-defense. Unfortunately, he was actually just standing there, waiting for her to injure his leg in front of everyone, making everyone have negative reactions to her. And we all know what comes calling when there's negativity."
The Grimm.
"Of course, that was just the start. The next fight, along with what followed, is what put the final nail in the coffin. A fight between Pyrrha Nikos and…an Atlas student."
Ironwood perked up when I mentioned an Atlas student.
I chose not to mention Penny just yet. I think me saying I know about Penny will either prove my claim…or get me interrogated by the Atlas Military, possibly with torture included.
It was a hit or miss, really.
"This student utilized wires as a part of her weapon. During the fight, Emerald used her Semblance on Pyrrha to make her think multiple weapons were coming at her, forcing her to use the full power of her Semblance on what was actually a few weapons."
I grimace. Penny's death had been hard to watch. And the part where her eyes just…blanked? That was a tearjerker right there!
"The wires…wrapped themselves around the student and…tore her apart. In front of everybody."
Glynda placed a hand on her mouth in horror. I don't think she believed me just yet, but the thought of something like that happening would sicken anyone.
Ironwood simply closed his eyes. I don't think he believed me just yet, either, but the thought of one of his students suffering such a fate? That had to sting…a lot.
Qrow scoffed at the two. "Don't tell me you're actually buying this, are you?"
Glynda and Ironwood snapped out of it.
"N-No."
"Of course not."
I roll my eyes, but continue. "The death of the student brought the negativity to an all-time high. Afterwards, Cinder gave this speech that called into question Ozpin's teachings and Ironwoods intentions."
"Hold on," Ironwood interrupted. "What do I have to do with all this?"
He paused, then cleared his throat. "Er, based on this ridiculous claim you're making."
Good save there, General.
Though now that he mentions it….
"Oh right, I forgot to mention that Ironwood has some of his forces occupy Vale at the beginning of Beacon's second semester."
…
…
Everyone but me slowly turned to the General, who looked a bit sheepish.
"Er, I-I would never do-."
"Yeah," Qrow deadpanned. "That sounds like something good ol' Jimmy would do."
"N-Now hold on-."
"It does, indeed," Glynda chimed in while rubbing her eyes in annoyance.
"Wait, Glynda-."
"Strangely, I myself can see something like that happening as well," Ozpin admitted.
"Et tu, Ozpin?"
Vert decided to chime in as well. "I may not know the General that well, but I'll just agree with what everyone else is saying."
Ironwood slumped. "You people are the worst."
I snicker. This was fun to watch!
Unfortunately…I feel the need to say something in reassurance.
"Now, hold on a minute."
Everyone turns to me.
"I admit that bringing his ships with him might have been a bit overkill-."
"A bit?" Qrow asks incredulously.
"But he was just worried is all," I continue. "He has good intentions and wants this peace you're all in to last. Right, General?"
Ironwood nodded.
"And while it wasn't cool of him to lose faith in Ozpin and take over security measures for the Festival-."
"He what?!" Came Glynda and Qrow's shouts.
"…Oh right, well there's this event that happens prior to the Festival that causes the Vale Council to request that Ironwood take over security for the Festival, resulting in additional troops and ships being sent."
I choose to keep it hidden that he had sent reports to the council that make them question whether or not Ozpin is right for the position of Headmaster. The last thing I need is to draw a rift this soon.
I sigh. "Look, that was the Council's call, not Ironwood's. Yes, he accepted, but he just wanted to keep the Kingdom and its people safe."
Qrow scoffed. "Right, sure. 'Hey guys! Hope you don't mind that I'm occupying your Kingdom and taking over security for the Festival! But it's okay! I just want what's best for the Kingdom! I'm sure you understand.'"
…
…
Ironwood frowned. "That's a terrible impression."
"But not inaccurate," Ozpin said…with a twitching smirk.
Ironwood groaned….
Oh my god, this confirms it.
Ozpin's a troll….
Oh yeah, and yet another DBZ Abridged reference. And I didn't even make it, either!
Anyway, if I get trolled by Ozpin at some point, I'm so out of here.
Qrow turns to me. "By the way, don't think I don't see what you're doing."
I raise an eyebrow. "Huh?"
"Trying to get on the Generals' good side, eh? Maybe you think it might give you some leverage? Or maybe get you on the Ice Queen's good side? Seriously, you're better off as far away from that woman as possible."
…
…
I take a deep breath…and let it out.
"Qrow," I begin evenly. "If you bring up Winter in a negative light one more time…I will punch you in the face. I will get up from this chair, walk towards you, and punch you clean in the jaw. In front of everybody here."
Qrow gave a "tch." "Oh rea-?"
"In fact, maybe I'll just grab the chair itself and break it on your head. That oughta put some sense into that thick skull of yours."
Qrow growled. "I'd like to see you try."
Ozpin cleared his throat loudly, signaling for us to stop our fighting before it escalated.
Vert pursed his lips. "Huh…maybe some of the others were right in betting on the Schnee."
"VERT!"
He chuckled, causing me to groan and facepalm.
Despite what happened, I feel that that damn betting pool will rear its ugly head back into my life someday.
"In any case," I continue, turning back to Ironwood. "You were there, so Cinder had you included as well. And…."
Well, guess know is a good time as any to reveal that I know Penny.
"The reason that you were included wasn't just because of your ships occupying Vale…it was because of the Atlas student as well."
Ironwood raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"…Look, what I'm about to say is something I shouldn't know either, but I do because of the show, so I'd really appreciate it if I wasn't accused of being a spy or anything like that, alright?"
Ironwood narrowed his eyes. "And just what is this piece of information that you shouldn't know?"
I took a deep breath and let it out.
"The Atlas student's name…is Penny Polendina."
The others don't see the significance in the name…but Ironwood does.
Ironwood growled. "How do you know of her?"
I shrug. "The show. Tell me, how is she? I know she doesn't arrive in Vale until the near the end of the first semester at Beacon, so I can't help but wonder what she does all this time."
Before Ironwood could say anything, Qrow interrupts.
"Hold on, just who is this 'Penny'?"
Ironwood frowned. "Classified."
"She's an android capable of generating an Aura."
Ironwood's glare bore into me.
"Considering the look Ironwood's giving me, there's no way I'm making this up."
Ozpin turned to his old friend. "Is this true, James?"
Ironwood sighed. "…Yes. We've been studying Aura scientifically for years. How it works, what it's made of, how it can be used. We've made…significant strides."
I hum. "And Penny was one of them, I'm guessing?"
"…Indeed."
Qrow chimed in. "So…this Penny was the one that was supposedly killed in the finals in this 'internet show' of yours?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
"…So it was just another robot from Atlas. Don't really see how that would cause an uproar."
…Okay, then.
"Qrow," I say evenly. "If you refer to Penny as a robot or machine again, I will punch you in the face. Or break this chair over your head. Whichever hurts more…probably the chair."
Qrow raised an eyebrow. "What's the big deal? It's just a-."
"She's a person. With a heart. And a soul. And those are the words of your own niece, Ruby, when she eventually found out, so shut up."
Before Qrow could say anything, Ozpin raised his hand.
"Qrow, please say nothing more on the matter."
Qrow grumbled to himself.
Ozpin turned to me. "Now that we know of this Penny, would you perhaps like to elaborate on her unfortunate involvement in these events you speak of?"
Right….
"Well, since Penny was torn apart, she was revealed to be an android. And…."
I didn't want to throw Ironwood under the bus here, but I can't help but wonder….
"Cinder called into question why Atlas would need a soldier disguised as an innocent little girl, when the Grimm probably can't tell the difference."
Everyone remained silent as they pondered what I just said.
Eventually, Ironwood spoke.
"She had simply been a product of our research into Aura. While the idea had crossed my mind for someone like Penny to be around in case war broke out, ready to infiltrate other Kingdoms, she was never originally intended for what this Cinder is, or will in this case, accuse me of."
"Also," he continued. "She was more for her father's sake."
He turned to us. "I'd explain, but that's rather…personal information about her father. Something I have no right of disclosing."
…I can respect that.
He sighed. "If you would continue."
I nod. "Well…as for Pyrrha and Yang, their unfortunate actions called into question what the Headmasters, especially Ozpin, were teaching their students. Cinder went on to slander Ozpin some more and make the people have doubt. All this increased the negative emotion that brought large hordes of Grimm to the city."
I sigh. "And…well, I'll be blunt. The Grimm wreck everything, and Beacon falls as a result."
Ozpin's and Glynda's hands tightened.
"Yeah, it gets worse. You see, beforehand, Cinder had implanted a virus into the CCT that eventually allowed her access to the General's robot army, so that she could take control of it."
Ironwood tensed at that
"Yeah, I think you can tell how it would make Atlas look to everyone else if the only thing they saw was their robot army shooting at people instead of the Grimm."
He looked unsure for a moment, but then steeled himself. "My machines have been tested thoroughly. There's no way they could be hacked in any way."
"Yeah," I drawled. "I'm sure you thought that right before the Atlesian Knights in your ship activated and shot at you…don't worry, you survived."
Ironwood deadpanned. "Wonderful."
I sigh. "Anyway, Cinder gets the full Maiden's power, Yang gets her arm cut off-."
"WHAT?!" Qrow yelled.
"-and Pyrrha Nikos is killed in the end."
Qrow stepped up. "Hold on, go back to the part with Yang!"
I turn to him. "Yeah…Yang gets her right arm cut off…by the same guy you fought with back at my house."
Qrow snarled. "Taurus?"
"The one and only."
Qrow's fists tightened. "That damn bastard, when I get my hands on him, I'll-!"
He paused…the chuckled.
"Nice try, kid. You almost made me believe you."
Eh, let him be stubborn.
Qrow stepped back as he and the others mulled over everything I've just said.
I turn my gaze to Vert to find him deep in thought.
Wonder what he's thinking? If I'm right? If I'm crazy? Who knows?
Ozpin cleared his throat to get my attention.
"Well, everything that you've said is one of the most unorthodox explanations we've ever heard."
I'll say.
"However," Ozpin continued. "I'm afraid everything you've said till now hinges on whether your claim about dying in a world where ours is fiction, then being reborn here in the real Remnant, is true…or simply the ramblings of a mental patient."
…
…
I sigh. "Look, if you all want to think I'm crazy, that's fine."
I turn to Ironwood. "You want to think that I might be a spy who learned of Penny through espionage? Okay."
"But," I continue. "There's one thing you all can't deny."
Glynda raised an eyebrow. "And what is that?"
"That I bare no evil intent towards Amber. That I bare no evil intent towards all of you."
I look down at my feet. "I only wanted to help."
…Help.
Helping got a lot of innocent people killed.
My choice to help got those people killed.
I heard Qrow scoff. "Well, you certainly didn't help the people of your village."
"QROW!" Ozpin and Glynda exclaimed.
…
…
"I-I'm sorry," I say lowly. "C-Could you repeat that? I don't think I heard you correctly."
Qrow grunted. "It's not that I don't appreciate Amber being safe and sound. Far from it. But from what I heard, an entire village got decimated because some lunatic got involved in something that wasn't any of his business in the first place."
I set my mouth in a very thin line….
I slowly stand up….
I turn towards Qrow.
He scowled. "Gonna try something, are you?"
I say nothing…then try to focus on that feeling that comes with my Semblance.
I find it.
I instantly disappear.
Qrow started. "W-What the-?"
POW!
"Augh!"
Qrow fell on his ass after I socked him clean in the jaw.
I didn't stop there.
I leaped onto the man and sent several fists at his head, a word following each one.
"YOU!
POW!
MOTHER!
POW!
FUCKING!
POW!
PIECE!
POW!
OF!
POW!
SHIT!
Qrow finally got smart and moved one of his arms above his head so that my next punch was blocked, while he used the other to punch forward randomly. Unfortunately, since I was above him, that meant that his fist connected.
I gave a grunt in pain.
Also unfortunately, that hit connecting told him where I was, allowing him to send his foot right at my midsection, kicking me off him.
I crashed into the chair, my Semblance deactivating.
Not to be deterred, I quickly got up and grabbed the chair, intending to hit Qrow over the head with it.
Subsequently, Qrow had his hand on his weapon.
"THAT'S QUITE ENOUGH!"
Suddenly, me and Qrow were floating in midair, as though some outside force was holding us-.
…Oh right, Glynda's Semblance.
My overwhelming anger partially went away so that I could briefly marvel at being held in the air by telekinesis.
It was surreal….
Okay, back to the anger.
"PUT ME DOWN SO I CAN KILL THE SON OF A BITCH!"
"Put me down so I can kick this kid's ass! Maybe knock some sense into the damn brat! On both giving real answers and having better taste in women!"
"WHAT'D I JUST SAY ABOUT BRINGING WINTER INTO THIS?!"
Glynda growled. "Both of you stop behaving like children this instant!"
Vert shook his head. "Don't you know? Everyone acts like a damn brat, even in adulthood."
Qrow and I ignored the both of them, trying in vain to reach out to the other so we could strangle each other.
"Enough."
We both froze.
That wasn't Glynda talking.
We both slowly turned our gazes towards the source of the voice.
Ozpin.
He glared. "Now…obviously we cannot continue this meeting with tensions as high as they are."
He turned to me with a lessened glare. "You will leave now with Vert and take some time to reign in your anger."
He turned to Qrow with a full glare. "And you will remain here. There are some things the four of us need to discuss."
Qrow and I glared at each other with grit teeth, then looked away from each other.
Fine by me. I don't to be anywhere near this asshole right now.
Ozpin nodded to Glynda, who lowered the both of us to our feet.
I didn't bother facing them, simply leaving towards the elevator.
I passed Vert, who gave me a concerned look as he followed.
We both got in the elevator, Vert pushing the first floor button.
The elevator doors closed, and we were left on our own.
...
...
...
…
…
"I believe you, Colt."
I turned to Vert with a confused look. "Huh?"
"I said," Vert repeated. "I believe you."
My mouth opens and closes on its own, no words coming out of my mouth….
I snap out of it. "R-Really?"
Vert shrugged. "Sure…I've known you for three long years, and I've learned to trust you as both my student…and as a friend. You've never shown any indication of being mental, and you taking such good care of Violet only proves you're of sound mind."
He turned to me. "So I'm placing my trust in you and choosing to believe what you've said, no matter how crazy it sounds."
…
…
I-If he's trying t-to make me cry, it's w-working.
I wipe my eyes and give him a grateful look. "T-Thanks."
Now that's two people that believe me.
He smiled at me. "Of course."
We both stared ahead for a moment….
"By the way," Vert said. "I couldn't help but notice how you got defensive when concerning that Schn-."
"Finish that sentence and I'll clock you in the jaw like I did Qrow."
He chuckled. "Yeah, good luck getting a hit on me."
"You've trained me for three years. I think I can land a hit o- AGH!"
Vert had me pinned to the wall of the elevator, my hand bent behind my back.
"You were saying?" he asked with smugness.
STOMP!
"Ack!"
Vert stepped back and held his foot after I stomped on it.
I give him a smug look. "You were saying?"
He glared at me. "Damn young brat."
"Damn old man."
…
…
We both let out some much needed laughter.
Vert quickly controlled himself. "S-So…what now?"
I pursed my lips in thought….
"Well, I need to get drunk."
Vert rolled his eyes. "Of course."
"Shut up."
He crossed his arms. "Know of a place where we can get some drinks?"
"…I do," I responded. "But we need to get to Vale."
"No problem," Vert said. "I had to learn how to fly a Bullhead one time when a mission went awry."
I raised an eyebrow. "You want to steal a Bullhead?"
"Of course."
…While there are several consequences to this, I don't really care right now.
I need to drink my anger and sorrow away.
I shrug. "Well, alright then. We'll stop by to ask Amber to watch Violet for a while longer than intended. Hope she doesn't mind."
"I'm sure she won't mind if you ask."
"Didn't you try to imply something between me and Winter?"
"Boy," Vert deadpanned. "With the way you are, you could end up with any girl. Especially if you keep dodging around them."
"I'm not dodging around the-." I pause. "Forget it. I don't feel like arguing right now."
Vert crossed his arms. "So what is this place you know to get drinks?"
"Well…I don't know where it is exactly, so we'll need to ask for directions, but…."
"Ever hear of a place called Junior's Club?"
A/N: Well…that ended rather horribly now, didn't it?
But now Amber and Vert believe me, so that's a plus, at least.
There was a lot of explaining I had to do, most of which was simply me esplaining the major events of RWBY. So I hope I did right by this chapter.
By the way, if I didn't mention certain other events that may be important, such as a more detailed explanation on the event known as the Breach, that was intentional. I mostly kept to the major major events. Everything else will be explained in time, I assure you, assuming the Ozluminati believes me or are at least willing to listen the next time we talk.
And just to be clear, for those who pointed it out, certain people (myself included) have not gotten over what just happened, obviously. That still needs to be addressed, which it will before this mini-arc is done.
And now I'm off with Vert to try and drink away my anger and sorrow…at Junior's Club.
That can only end well.
Looks like I got a bit defensive concerning Winter. Hope those of you siding with Winter enjoyed those few moments. No, the pairing is not confirmed.
Besides, Amber and the other girls are still contenders, especially one of whom will make a reappearance next chapter.
I'll let you all take a wild guess as to who returns.
Omakes will be held off for a while, as I want to focus on getting this mini-arc done as quickly as possible.
I wanted to say this at the end of this arc, but…let's keep the betting pool alive, eh? For those who have passed!
EVERYONE PLACE YOUR BETS ON WHO I (Colt) WILL END UP WITH!
And yes, you will be allowed to change your bets as the story goes on.
If you liked this and want to be kept up to date, be sure to follow and fav. Leave a review to tell me your thoughts.
See you in the next update.
LATERS!
